Many of you clicking on this article have two common questions: what is dual enrollment, and why should I consider registering? Dual enrollment enables high school students to take college courses, granting them high school and college credit. Laguna Beach High School began implementing this program to promote autonomy for the student body’s learning and to be an entryway for students to get an extra advantage while applying for college. Students are more prepared for college life and better adjust to higher-level courses when participating in dual enrollment courses, as proven by the College and Career Center and various college readiness organizations.
“Taking dual enrollment classes provides a nurturing environment for growth in areas I never knew I’d end up taking, such as Journalism,” said junior Joe Joe Lieber.
Early College Credits & Academic Rigor
Looking at dual enrollment more closely, it is clear that many benefits come from completing these classes through Saddleback College or Irvine Valley College. One of the most important and popular ones includes getting early credits toward the student’s eventual college transcript. Most classes give the student three units of credit in return for completing the course, equivalent to a year’s worth of class in a semester. Dual enrollment provides a rigorous yet smooth transition from high school to college life, ultimately helping students learn to adjust in a shorter amount of time. According to the Regional Educational Laboratory Program, students who partake in dual enrollment classes are 28% more likely only to need three years of college than the entire four years. Building up a college transcript as early as the first year significantly increases the chances of not needing as much college time and getting into a “good” college since college admissions officers love to see early action and attention to college classes. Positive academic outcomes surge from participation in dual-enrolled classes because any student can get the chance to take a course surrounding their interest. For example, if a student is interested in becoming a fashion designer, there are classes specialized in fashion education or niche-related ones. There is always a class for everyone.
“Not only am I getting specialized classes not on-campus, but I am taking college classes for no payment,” said junior Kelsey Dearing.
Teaching Time-Management Skills
Various students in the past two years have reported that registering for dual enrollment led to them having more manageable workloads, better professional navigation, and being more well-versed in their desired major. Students typically possess a mindset where they say to themselves, “I’ll just do it later.” Taking these courses prepares students not to procrastinate work and to simply push through, teaching them to complete work a week ahead instead of the night of the due date at 11:59 PM. Their AP courses have become less of a hassle to work through since they have the proper preparation to succeed.
Stabilizing Free-Time with Work-Time
Dual enrollment is crafted to help cater to students’ needs and desires within their tight schedules. Numerous classes propose a fully asynchronous class where all the work is done on their own time, while some are partially asynchronous with a Zoom meeting once a week with the professor on call. For example, students receive 3-6 assignments a week, all being due at the end of the week. Not only does this aid students in reaching their goals of time management better, but it also helps them not to cram too much into a limited amount of time.
“I took the business class offered last fall and found that it taught me how to navigate professional industries more easily and comfortably. I understand the ins and outs of what it means to communicate with someone in a position of authority, ” said Lieber.
How to Get Started
A common concern is the cost associated with college courses. However, LBUSD covers all expenses related to dual enrollment, eliminating those financial barriers for students. The district pays for the expenses so students can have a stress-free experience while taking these courses. No one wants cost to get in the way of getting a one-of-a-kind education unlike any other. The process is relatively simple; the student would start by searching on IVC or Saddleback’s course catalog for the desired time frame and course request. They could take the next step and schedule an appointment to see their College and Career Specialist, Mrs. Gregory, where a quick meeting can be established to discuss options and the necessary steps forward.
The College and Career Center always encourages self-reflection. It prioritizes its students first before anything else, so make sure to stop by if you have any questions, concerns, or interest in registering for a dual enrollment course.
“I would recommend taking a class that provides dual enrollment since I am getting an extra part of education while still being in high school and I can still do the things I love in my free time!” stated Dearing.
